German authorities have increasingly started deporting repeat offenders to Afghanistan and Syria, a trend documented by the federal interior ministry and reported by “Die Welt”.
Since Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s (CDU) government came to power in May, 105 Afghan nationals have been sent back, 22 of them this year alone. The day before Christmas Eve, the first Syrian criminal was deported-marking the first such flight since the start of the civil war in 2011-and three more followed. Officials say this rhythm will accelerate, with more charter flights planned to Kabul and Damascus.
Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) confirmed the policy’s intent. “We push the returns forward” he told “Die Welt”. “We deport offenders and threats, also to Syria. By being the first European country to return criminals directly to Afghanistan by charter, we send a clear message: criminals have no future in Germany and must look for one back home”.
On February 26, a historic direct return to Afghanistan took place without third‑party assistance: 20 Afghan men were flown from Leipzig to Kabul on a charter. These men were subject to exit bans after convictions for sexual offences, assault and drug crimes. The operation was made possible by agreements with the Taliban regime and the Syrian interim government.
In addition to direct deportations, the German government has used the Dublin mechanism to transfer asylum seekers. According to the interior ministry, since May of last year it has shifted 563 Afghans and 356 Syrians to other EU states responsible for their asylum procedures under the Dublin Agreement.